What Are Consumers Shoplifting?

Retailers are expected to lose $119 billion to shoplifting this year, and Adweek found what items shoppers love to steal.

The list below may come off as a shock if you rely on shoplifting stereotypes, that shoplifters are shady teenagers (Lindsay Lohan!) or have stolen every item in their home. The truth is that only 3% of shoplifters are considered “professionals”, 70% did not go into the store determined to shoplift, and 75% of shoplifters are adults, many of whom have jobs.

Now that we know that the typical shoplifter is probably a middle class male (there are more male shoplifters than female) who can’t justify spending $5 or $10 extra dollars here or there, let’s see what he’s using his five-finger discount on.

Filet Mignon and other “luxury” meats – “Many police still believe [this] is the most common item stolen from grocery stores and supermarkets,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Expensive liquors – Not just stolen by minors, shoplifting of alcohol is also attributed to hard drinkers and alcoholics.

Electric tools – Electric toothbrushes and power tools (this one seems difficult…) are the most common items men steal.

Gadgets and laptops – According to the AJ Novick Group, 100,000 laptops are stolen every year.

Razor blades (Gillette) – With replacement cartridges for Gillette’s Mach4 around $23, many consumers steal basic necessities in hard times.

AXE (body spray, deodorant, and bath products) – Multiple drug stores have recently been burglarized with the only items missing being the finishing touch for any teen night out.

Designer apparel – Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger are some of the most stolen designer brands, a perfect addition to the AXE body spray stolen from a CVS.

Everything from Toys’R’Us – This year, the toy store highlighted Let’s Rock Elmo as a hot item for this coming Christmas, meaning that some who can’t afford it, will just steal it instead.

Perfumes and colognes – Due to their small size and high gift appeal, fragrances account for large losses in stores in which they are sold.

Athletic shoes – Everyone has pondered trying on a pair of Nikes and walking out of the store without paying for them, but who knew it was a real trend.

Follow Alex Hughes on Twitter! @TheAlexHughes

image via: thestranger.com

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